Category: Gourmet

Autumn is a beautiful time of year in New England, the landscape is ablaze with orange, red, and yellow, and the air is a crisp respite from the summer humidity. Along with autumn comes Thanksgiving. And with Thanksgiving comes family gathering, a hearty meal, and perhaps a little stress. If you have hosted Thanksgiving then you know there’s a lot to think about, before even considering how you’ll lay out the table. However, the tablescape, if done in advance, doesn’t need to add to your stress. In fact, it can be a creative form of expression and a chance to make the holiday that much more special. Here are some simple ways to adorn your Thanksgiving table and impress your guests. Set the tone Before starting the process of designing…

Today I am inspired by two things, first the gorgeous new dining room set that sits perfectly in my charming new real estate purchase (first timer!!). The all cherry hardwood set is a beautiful focal point and the clear favorite of everyone getting the new home tour. I have already used it for six dinner parties for friends and family in just the three short weeks we have been there, and with two leaves everyone is welcome (hhmm, counting that out opened my eyes to why my partner thinks I might be overdoing it a tad). The second half of today's inspiration comes from one of the local farm shares we joined, Cape Ann Fresh Catch. I have always wanted to participate in a farm share and settling into a new home…

Make this New Years the best ever. Let go of it all. Dress to kill or wear your sweatpants. Party with your friends or stay home and snuggle. Eat at the nicest restaurant you can or cannot afford or order a pizza. Point? Keep it simple. Just enjoy yourself. Mix up some of these Blood Orange Champagne Cocktails for you and yours and go crazy. Cheers to a Wonderful New Year! [caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="(via Martha Stewart)"][/caption] Ingredients - Serves 10 to 12 2 1/4 cups freshly squeezed or frozen blood-orange juice 2 750-ml bottles champagne, chilled Directions Pour 3 tablespoons juice in each champagne flute. Fill flutes with champagne, and serve. See how easy that was?

This is the time of year that we are all crazed. Busy with decorating, shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning and don't forget worrying whether little Johnnie is getting just as many Christmas presents as little Suzy. Enough. You need a break. This warm French Country table is dying to have you invite a neighbor over to try this yummy recipe for Upside Down Apple Pecan Pie. So brew some coffee, heat the pie and invite your favorite neighbor over. You haven't just "chatted" in so long. Time to catch up on all the local gossip, oh, I mean local politics. Most of all, have a good laugh and Happy Holidays! Upside Down Apple Pecan Pie [caption id="attachment_1617" align="alignright" width="200" caption="(via Savory Bites & Sweet Treats)"][/caption] 1/2 cup seedless raisins 1 tablespoon…

I don't know about you, but every time this room shot pops up, a craving for cocktail nuts hits. Since most bars have done away with those germ infested (yet still delicious) bowls of nuts, homemade is the only option! This recipe from dear old Martha is a home run with every crowd. 1 large egg white 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 3/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper 2 1/2 cups pecan halves, or assorted nuts, such as cashews, walnuts, or almonds Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Beat egg white until soft and foamy. Combine all remaining ingredients except pecans; whisk into egg white. Stir in pecans until well coated; spread mixture in single layer onto an ungreased…

Thanksgiving has come and gone, which means the Christmas season is in full swing. Not that it's hard to miss the memo with all the carols on the radio and decorations in every store! If you are about to have a table full of loved ones to wow, here is a very crowd friendly recipe: Maple Bacon Quiche (via Martha Stewart) The best part about the recipe? You can make it the night before. Refrigerate it overnight and surprise your guests for breakfast/brunch/lunch next day!